Arrangement for operating various terminal devices

ABSTRACT

In a first embodiment, the invention relates to an arrangement for operating a plurality of terminal devices ( 6 ) on a common antenna ( 4 ) with a coupling network ( 2 ) comprising a first separator ( 8 ) associated with the antenna ( 4 ) and a second separator ( 10 ) associated with the respective terminal ( 6 ). In a second embodiment, the invention relates to an arrangement for operating a plurality of terminal devices ( 6 ) on a common transmitting antenna ( 4″ ) and on a common receiving antenna ( 4 ) which is separate from the common transmitting antenna ( 4″ ) with a coupling network ( 2 ) comprising a separator ( 10 ) which is associated with the respective terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention is concerned with an arrangement for the operationof multiple radio controlled terminal devices using a common antenna.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In general, the number of terminal devices for mobilecommunications is increasing in vehicles such as, for example, busses,automobiles, etc. Therein, besides employment for audio transmissions,these terminal devices (also referred to as mobile telephone devices)are employed ever frequently for the transmission of data in telephonicor emergency assistance systems.

[0005] Both for optical reasons as well as for space and costconsiderations the number of antennae on the vehicle required for thisincreasing number of terminal devices cannot be increased without limit.

[0006] From DE-A-195 47 288 A1 the radio station with a setoff orseparate antenna unit is known, wherein a duplexer is provided close tothe antenna. Beyond this, a pre-amplifier is likewise provided close tothe antenna. This antenna unit is in the form of a unit integrated withthe transmitter and receiver antenna and is in communication via twodedicated separated transmission and receiving branches withunidirectional transmitter or receiver units.

[0007] From U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,544 a transmitter and receiver unit forvehicles is known with a common transmitter and receiver antenna,wherein the base of the transmitter and receiver antenna is connectedwith an aerial combining unit in the immediate vicinity of thetransmitter and receiver antenna. A preamplifier connected with theaerial combining unit is likewise provided in the immediate vicinity ofthe antenna base.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The first main task of the invention is thus, to provide anarrangement for operation of multiple terminal devices with a commonantenna, which is characterized by a construction or design which isparticularly simple and a communication which is as free as possible offeedback, with a simultaneous minimization of the complexity of cabling.Since by the use of one common antenna, of which the setup location isbesides this located setoff (that is, at a greater distance orseparation) from the respective terminal devices, the minimization ofthe necessary cabling expense represents, with the common guidance ofthe terminal devices due to the one single antenna, a significantelement within the framework of the problem being addressed by theinvention.

[0009] This first main task of the invention is solved in accordancewith a first embodiment of the invention by an arrangement or system forthe operation of multiple terminal devices via a common remote antennawith a coupling network, which includes a first separator associatedwith the antenna and a second separator associated with the respectiveterminal device. Herein the first and the second separator areparticularly preferably functionally as well as spatially a single unit.In this manner particularly advantageously this coupling network can becompactly constructed and depending upon the predetermined environmentalgeometry can be positioned at the best and most suitable position forinstallation of the inventive device. Particularly advantageous is thefact, that the coupling network functionally is not associated witheither the antenna nor one of the terminal devices, from the perspectivethat the three essentially separate components of the inventive device,that is the antenna, the coupling network and the terminal devices, canbe optimally positioned completely independently of each other.

[0010] With the inventive arrangement there is provided in particularlyadvantageous manner the possibility to connect with each otherbi-directional operating terminal devices, that is, terminal deviceswhich are capable of transmitting information as well as receiving it.For this, in one separator (10) the bi-directional transmission linescoming from the terminal devices must be separated into transmitting andreceiving branches, in order subsequently to bring back together all theterminal device associated transmitting and receiving branchesrespectively preferably using a summing element. After therecombination, the two separated transmitting and receiving branches canbe directly reconnected again via the separator (8). Therewith thereresults again a bi-directional transmission line to the antenna, on oralong which now again all signals of the individual terminal devices canbe communicated in common. In this manner the inventive design of thecoupling element is realized in advantageously a compact design of theinventive device, which in its functionality and application isdistinctly separate from that which comprises the state of the art.Thus, in contrast, for example the device known from DE 195 47 288 inparticular intends that both separators are not integrated in a compact,variably locatable unit, but rather are intentionally provided spaced asfar apart from each other as possible, so that the separated transmitterand receiver branches can be routed independently from each other aslong as possible. Such an arrangement would be, in particular whenapplied to automotive vehicles, disadvantageous for economical reasons,since it results in additional cabling requirements.

[0011] According a first inventive embodiment of the first embodimentthe coupling network is located between the antenna and the mobiletelephone devices, for example in the trunk of a vehicle beside themobile telephone devices.

[0012] According to a second inventive variant of the first embodimentthe coupling network is a component of a mobile telephone device, whichincludes at least one additional output/input for one or more mobiletelephone devices. Further, it is of course also conceivable, dependingupon or as appropriate to the coupling network, to integrate this as anindependent unit at or in the antenna or however to introduce this as aunit in another device (for example in the control device for othervehicle components). By an advantageous integration into a devicealready present on board the vehicle there is advantageously possibletherewith to employ already existing electrical components, such as forexample network devices, for use by components of the coupling network.

[0013] The coupling network of the first embodiment includessupplemental amplifiers, dividers and/or summing elements as anadvantageous aspect of the invention.

[0014] The invention, in accordance with the first embodiment, is basedupon the idea, that multiple terminal devices are to be operated withinan enclosed space for mobile communication via a single antenna. So thata feedback effect of the one terminal device upon adjacent neighboringterminal devices can be avoided, preferably first separators areprovided for separation of transmitted and received energy at theantenna. By this first separator it is ensured that, on the one hand,transmitting and receiving waves are separated at the antenna side. Onthe other hand, by a second separator, the transmitted and receivedwaves of the respective terminal device are separated from each other,whereby the combination or the separation of the transmission or as thecase may be received waves of various terminal devices occurs separatefrom each other. Thereby a return effect of a transmitting terminaldevice on an adjacent terminal device can be particularly reliablyavoided. Beyond this, the complexity for the installation ofsupplemental antennas for multiple terminal devices, in particularmobile telephone terminal devices, is substantially reduced.

[0015] Preferably, as the separator, a wave-guide circulator or adirectional coupler is provided. In the wave-guide circulator this maybe a cyclic designed n-gate, preferably a 3-gate, wherein the signals ofone of the gates respectively only goes to the mixed gate in the senseof a circulation. Therewith there occurs with the aid of the circulatora separation of transmitter and received signal. Wave-guide circulatorsor as the case may be directional couplers are employed as separatorsparticularly in time duplex operation (also referred to as timedivisional duplex standard, TDD in short) or however also in frequencyduplex operation (also referred to as frequency divisional duplexstandard, FDD for short).

[0016] For the separation of transmitting and received signals duringcommunication in a frequency duplex operation (also referred to asfrequency divisional duplex standard, FDD for short), for example in thecase of GSM network (GSM=Global System for Mobile Communication), thereis preferably employed as separator a filter, in particular a duplexfilter. The duplex filter serves thereby for separation of the forwardand reverse direction, that is the transmitter and receive direction.The duplex filter includes a bi-directional connection and twounidirectional connections, which are respectively associated with thecorresponding frequency band.

[0017] For separating or distributing the frequency bands received bythe common antenna to the terminal devices it is advantageous to employa divider. For emitting the transmission signal of the terminal devicesover the common antenna a summing element is provided on the transmitterside. For compensation of the losses of the transmitted or receivedsignals one amplifier element is preferably provided in the transmitterand in the receiver branches, respectively. Therein the amplifierelement is preferably provided between the first and the secondseparator. Preferably, the antenna is provided on the receiving sidewith its own amplifier element. Depending upon the type and design ofthe device as well as depending upon the type of communication, onecommon amplifier element is preferably provided, preferably on thetransmitter side of all terminal devices. Alternatively or additionallythe transmitter side and/or receiver side of the individual terminaldevices can be provided with their own amplifier element.

[0018] A second main task of the invention is comprised in providing adevice for operating multiple terminal devices with a commontransmission antenna and a common receiver antenna separated from thecommon transmitter antenna, which has a particularly simple constructionand as free as possible of feedback communication. In the framework ofthis second task a particular task of the invention is comprised in theminimization of the cabling requirement, in particular in the case whennumerous terminal devices are operated.

[0019] This second task is solved in accordance with a second embodimentof the invention by an arrangement or system for operation of multipleterminal devices on a single transmitting antenna and one receiverantenna with a coupling network, which includes a second separatorassociated with the respective terminal device.

[0020] In accordance with a first inventive solution of the secondembodiment the coupling network is located between the antenna and amobile telephone device, for example in the trunk of a vehicle besidethe mobile telephone device.

[0021] According to a second inventive solution of the second embodimentthe coupling network is a component of the mobile telephone device,which includes at least one additional output/input for one or moremobile telephones.

[0022] According to a third solution of the second embodiment thecoupling network is provided in the vicinity of the transmitting antennaand/or the receiving antenna, or spatially integrated in one or as thecase may be both antennas. A further advantageous arrangement resultsfrom the integration of the coupling network in a device alreadyexisting in the vehicle, preferably utilizing already existingcomponents, such as for example a network device.

[0023] The coupling network of the second embodiment likewise includesadditional amplifiers, dividers and/or summing elements or integrators.

[0024] The invention according to the second embodiment is based uponthe idea that, in a closed space, multiple terminal devices are to beoperated for mobile communication via respectively separate transmitterand receiver antennas. So that a feedback of the one terminal deviceupon the adjacent terminal device is avoided, preferably separators forseparation of transmitted and received energy are provided at theterminal device.

[0025] Via the separators the transmission and received waves of therespective terminal devices are separated from each other, wherein thecombination or the separation of the transmission or as the case may bereceived signals of various terminal devices occurs separately from eachother. Thereby a feedback of a transmitting terminal device on anadjacent terminal device can be avoided particularly simply. Beyondthis, the cost and complexity of the installation of supplementalantennas for multiple terminal devices, in particular mobile telephonetelephone terminal devices, is substantially reduced.

[0026] Preferably, as in the first embodiment, a wave-guide circulatoror a rectifier coupler is provided as separator. In the wave-guidecircular this may be a cyclic designed n-gate, preferably a 3-gate, ofwhich the signal of one gate is respectively conveyed to the next gatein the circulation sense. Therewith there occurs with the aid of thewave-guide circulator a separation of transmission and received signal.Wave-guide circulators or as the case may be rectifying couplers are inparticular employed in time duplex operation (also referred to as timedivision duplex standard, TDD for short) or however also in frequencyduplex operation (also referred to as frequency division duplex, FDD forshort) as separator.

[0027] For separation of transmit and receive signals in communicationin frequency duplex operation (also referred to as frequency divisionstandard, FDD for short), for example in GSM-network (GSM=Global Systemfor Mobile Communication), a filter is preferably provided as separator,in particular a duplex filter, preferably on the terminal device side.The duplex filter serves thereby for separation of the forward andbackward direction, that is, the transmit and receive direction. Theduplex filter includes a bi-directional connection and twounidirectional connections, which are respectively associated with theappropriate frequency band.

[0028] For emission of the transmission signals of the terminal devicesover the common antenna, a summation unit is provided on thetransmission side. For compensation of the losses of the transmission orreceived signals it is useful to provide at least one amplifier element.Preferably the antennas are provided on the receive side and/ortransmission side with one single amplifier element. Depending upon typeand design of the system as well as depending upon the communication oneamplifier element is preferably provided on a transmitter side and/orreceiver side of all terminal devices respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Illustrated embodiments of the invention are explained on thebasis of a drawings. Therein there is shown:

[0030]FIG. 1 a schematic of an arrangement for operation of multipleterminal devices on a common antenna with a coupling network accordingto a first embodiment of the invention,

[0031]FIG. 2 a schematic of a coupling network according to FIG. 1,

[0032]FIG. 3 a schematic of an alternative embodiment of the firstembodiment of the coupling network according to FIG. 1,

[0033]FIG. 4 a diagram with transmission function of a duplex filter forthe GSM-network according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0034]FIG. 5 a diagram with a block decision flow for the GSM-network,

[0035]FIG. 6 a schematic of an arrangement for operation of multipleterminal devices on a common transmission antenna and a common receiverantenna with a coupling network according the second embodiment of theinvention,

[0036]FIG. 7 a schematic of a coupling network according to FIG. 6,

[0037]FIG. 8 a schematic of an alternative variant of the secondembodiment of the coupling network according to FIG. 6,

[0038]FIG. 9 a schematic a further alternative variant of the secondembodiment of the coupling network according to FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Corresponding parts are referred to in all figures with the samereference numbers.

[0040] In FIG. 1 a device 1 is shown with a coupling (interstage)network 2 for division or separation of signals E received by theantenna 4 with the frequency F to the terminal devices 6, for examplemobile telephone terminal devices. Alternatively or additionally thecoupling network 2 serves for bundling of transmitted signals S of theterminal devices 6. The coupling network 2 is, in accordance with afirst variant of the first embodiment, as indicated by dashed lines 100in FIG. 1, arranged as a compact unit between the antenna and theterminal devices.

[0041] According to a second inventive variant of the first embodimentthe coupling network 2 is integrated as a component of a terminaldevice, which includes at least one supplemental output or input forconnection of further mobile telephone devices.

[0042] A third possibility of the incorporation of the coupling networkis comprised therein, that it is integrated directly or in proximity tothe antenna, or however that the supplemental unit is integrated in adevice which is independent from the transmission and receive mimic (forexample a motor-control device).

[0043] In FIG. 2 an embodiment of the coupling network 2 according toFIG. 1 is schematically represented, which is in particular suited for atime duplex network TDD or frequency duplex network FDD. The couplingnetwork 2 includes a first separator 8 associated with the antenna 4 aswell as a number of second separators 10, corresponding to the number ofthe terminal devices 6, which are associated with the terminal devices6. As first and second separator 8 or as the case may be 10 there arepreferably provided wave-guide circulators, which have a particularlysimple construction and are designed to be free of feedback.Alternatively, rectifying couplers can be employed.

[0044] The complete coupling network 2 of FIG. 2 can advantageously, asindicated by the dashed lines 100, be integrated in a mobile terminaldevice 6 (base terminal device). Therein at least one input/output A ofthe base terminal device is provided for the connection of furthermobile terminal devices. Of course the number of the inputs and outputscan be varied.

[0045] For compensation of losses a first amplifier element 12 isprovided on the receiving side of the antenna 4. On the transmittingside the terminal devices 6 are provided with a common second amplifierelement 14 for compensation of losses. For separating or dividing thesignals E received by the antenna 4 with the frequency F by the terminaldevices 6, a divider 16 is provided downstream of the first separator 8.For bundling and transmitting the transmitting signal S with a frequencyF of the terminal device 6 over the common antenna 4 a summing element18 is provided on the transmitter side between the first and the secondseparator 8 or as the case may be 10.

[0046] In the “receiving” operation of the device 1 a received signalE(F) is separated subsequent to the common antenna 4 by the firstseparator 8 from the transmit signal S(F) and separated by means of thedivider 16 to the second separator 10, for example circulator. Thesecond separator 10 conveys the received signal E(F) simultaneously tothe concerned or appropriate terminal device 6, for example a mobiletelephone telephone terminal device. The loss during receiving thesignal E(F) is compensated by the amplifier element 12.

[0047] During transmission via one or more of the terminal devices 6 thesubstantial part of the load of the associated second separator 10 isconveyed via the summing element 18 to the first separator 8 and fromthis is directed to the common antenna 4. The wattage loss or signalloss during transmission is compensated by the amplifier element 14. Ofcourse it could in certain cases be advantageous to also possiblyamplify beyond this signal loss, in order to increase overall thewattage emitted via the antenna 4. Beyond this, the amplifier elements12 and 14 serve for improving the decoupling of the terminal devices 6from each other.

[0048] Depending upon the design of the coupling network the amplifierelements 14 or as the case may be 12 could alternatively or additionallyalso lie between the second separator 120 and the summer 18 or as thecase may be the separator 16, whereupon then for each terminal devicebranch one transmitter (14) and/or receiver amplifier element (12) isnecessary.

[0049] In communication by a frequency duplex operation, for exampleGSM, the coupling network 2 also includes filters, in particular duplexfilters, as schematically represented in FIG. 3, preferably in place ofcirculators as separators 8 or as the case may 10. Duplex filters areproduced in large quantities for GSM-terminal devices 6 and are thusparticularly economical construction elements, which separate thetransmission and receive channels from each other. Alternatively, otherelectronic components with the same functionality can be employed asseparators 8 or as the case may be 10. Alternatively in the frequencyduplex operation in place of the filter also frequency circulators orrectifying couplers can be employed.

[0050] During receiving the received signal E(F) is amplified by theamplifier element 12 and divided by means of the divider 16 to the twoseparators 10 as duplex filter and therewith to the terminal device 6.In the case of transmission, following the separators 10 a separateamplification for each terminal device 6 occurs by means of theamplifier elements 14, in order to insure a better decoupling of theterminal devices 6 and to compensate for the losses in the filters ofthe separators 10. This means, each terminal device 6 includes on thetransmitter side in the appropriate channel an associated amplifierelement 14. Therewith in the case of GSM communication on thetransmission side a number of amplifier elements 14 corresponding to thenumber of the terminal devices 6 is provided.

[0051] Depending upon the design of the network, the amplifier elements12 or as the case may be 14 can, as before, be provided alternatively oradditionally also between the first separator 8 and the summing element18 or as the case may be between the second separator 10 and the divider16, wherein in the terminal device branches respectively one transmitter14 and/or receiver amplifier 12 is necessary.

[0052] Alternatively to the design as separate device between antenna 4and the terminal devices 6, the complete coupling network 2 can, asindicated in FIG. 3 by the dashed lines 100, in advantageous manner beintegrated in the mobile terminal device 6 (base terminal device).Therein the in/output A of the base terminal device is available forfurther mobile terminal devices. Of course, as in the embodimentaccording to FIG. 2 the number of the in and outputs can be varied.

[0053] As already shown in FIG. 2, the coupling network also canaccording to FIG. 3 be incorporated in or beside the antenna or in anyof the other devices.

[0054] Via the first separator 8 (=transmission filter) the bundledtransmission signal S from the transmission signals S of the terminaldevices 6 is provided to the antenna 4 via the summing element 18 andtransmitted. FIG. 4 shows an example of the transmission functions of aduplex filter of the company Murata for GSM. A suppression ofapproximately 40 dB for a respective different channel is achieved(channel K1 as compared to channel K2).

[0055] The requirements of the duplex or coupling filter are derivedfrom the GSM specifications, for example in FIG. 5 the blockingrequirements are graphically represented. From the transmission wattageor power of GSM one can calculate there from a necessary channelsuppression of 36 dB.

[0056] The advantages achieved with the invention in accordance with thefirst embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 is comprised particularly therein, thatby means of the coupling network 2 the device 1 is suitable foroperation of multiple terminal devices 6 on a single common antenna 4.Beyond this, by the positioning of the coupling network 2 in theproximity of terminal device, the investment in cabling is minimized,since the multiplication of the cabling in correspondence to the numberof the terminal devices exists only for the relatively short distancebetween coupling network and terminal device. By the use of circulatorsor as the case may be filters as separators 8 and 10 the incoming andoutgoing waves are separated from each other, so that a feedback-freecommunication of multiple terminal devices 6 is made possibleparticularly simply and reliably. In particular the bundling or theseparation of the transmission signal S or as the case may be thereceive signal E of the one or more of the various terminal devices 6can be carried out separately from each other, that is, for the wavesbeing received and transmitted via the single common antenna 4 thereoccurs a separate summation or as the case may be division. Beyond this,as necessary, in advantageous manner the transmission and receivesignals S or as the case may be E can be amplified separately from eachother for in and outgoing waves, whereby a particularly good decouplingresults. By a suitable dimensioning of the components of thisarrangement, this is employable for all presently existing and futureplanned mobile telephone standards. Beyond this, the device can betailored for the operation of one or simultaneously multiple terrestrialor satellite supported mobile telephone standards (GMS 900, GSM 1800,AmPS, PDC, CDMA, UMTS, ICO, Globalstar, . . . ). For this, inadvantageous manner above all the amplifiers, the separators and thesummers/dividers must be set to the respectively desired frequencyrange.

[0057] A second embodiment of the invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0058] In FIG. 6 there is again shown a device 1 with a coupling network2 for distribution of signals E with the frequency F received via aseparate receiving antenna 4′ to the terminal devices 6. Alternativelyor additionally the coupling network 2 serves for bundling oftransmitted signals S or terminal devices 6. In the second embodimentthe coupling network 2 serves to couple-in the signals S produced by theterminal devices 6 for transmission into a separate transmission antenna4″. As in the first embodiment, the coupling network could be a separatedevice between the antenna and the mobile telephone devices.Alternatively thereto the coupling network could be in the form of acomponent of a mobile telephone device, wherein this exhibits at leastone supplemental out/input for one or more mobile telephone devices.According to the second illustrative embodiment the coupling network 2can be provided in the vicinity of or as a functional independentelement in the transmission antenna 4″ and/or the receiving antenna 4′,or however also as a component of an independent device.

[0059] According to the second embodiment of FIG. 6 it is possible toemploy radio services, which transmit and receive in time multiplex orin frequency multiplex (for example UMTS-TDD). The necessary dampingbetween the transmission and receiving path occurs by the free spacedamping between the two antennas 4′ and 4″ which are preferablypositioned with sufficient distance from each other. It is inadvantageous manner also conceivable to separate the two antennas fromeach other by insulating means. Thus it would be conceivable, in thiscase, to decouple parts of the signal from the transmission branch and,depending upon the position of the antennas relative to each other, tocouple these into the receiving branch in time-delay. By suitable timedisplacement (phase shift by 180°) there results thereby a quenching ofthe signal radiated directly from the transmission antenna into thereceiving antenna.

[0060] The separation of transmitted and received power occurs in themost general cases with the aid of separators, for example circulators,is shown in FIG. 8. For FDD standards (frequency duplex standards) thecirculators can be replaced by transmit/receive duplex filters (as shownin FIG. 7). For TDD and FDD services (time and frequency duplexservices) the separation can also occur via switches according to thearrangement shown in FIG. 9.

[0061] For GSM the requirements with respect to wattage or powerdirectivity for an interference free operation of the mobile telephonescan be found in the following standards known to technical people inthis art: ETS 300 577 (GSM Radio transmission and reception) and fromETS 300 574 (multiplexing and multiple access on the radio path).

[0062] In FIG. 7 an example of a coupling network 2 is illustrated, ofwhich the transmission and receiving paths on the side of the terminaldevices is carried out with the aid of transmission/receive duplexfilters 10. If one of the terminal devices 6 transmits, then the wattageis conveyed through the duplex filter 10 to the amplifier element 14,summed in the summing element 18 and then reaches the transmissionantenna 4″. In the case of reception the signal is received withreceiving antenna 4′ and amplified by the amplifier element 12. Thedivider 16 divides the signal using the duplex filter 10, 10, 10 whichthereupon further transmit this to the terminal device 6.

[0063] The coupling network 2 of FIG. 8 functions analogously to that asdescribed above. The signal wattage is however relayed in thetransmission case with the aid of the separators (circulators) 10, 10from the terminal device 6 onto the summing element 18, amplified by theamplifier element 14 and transmitted by the transmission antenna 4″. Inthe receiving case any signal amplified by the amplifier element 12 isconveyed to the divider 16 and relayed through the separators 10, 10 tothe terminal devices 6.

[0064] The directional separation can occur both for TDD as well as forFDD as shown in FIG. 9 also by electronic switches. In the case ofreceiving the signal received by the receiver antenna 4′ is amplified bythe amplifier element 4 and relayed via the coupler elements 20A, 20Band 20C to the terminal devices 6 via suitable switches 22. In thisoperating mode the switch 22 is in the position “receive”. If one of theterminal devices is transmitting, then the wattage or power isrecognized with the aid of an appropriate wattage detector 21, whereinthe appropriate switch 22 is switched to “transmit”, so that thetransmission wattage is relayed via the coupler elements 23A, 23B and23C to the amplifier elements 14 and to the transmitter antenna 4″. Anoverriding of the transmission wattage of the transmitting terminaldevice 6 on the other terminal devices 4 is thereby prevented. As in thefirst embodiment, here also amplifier elements 12 and 14 arealternatively or additionally also provided in the terminal devicebranches between the couplers 20/23 and the switches 22.

[0065] By the two solution points

[0066] the operation of multiple terminal devices on a common remoteantenna,

[0067] as well also the operation of multiple terminal devices on acommon remote transmission antenna and a common remote receivingantenna,

[0068] there is fully satisfied in both devices the common task ofproviding a feedback-free optimized operation with regard to the cablingrequirements of multiple terminal devices which may also bebi-directional.

1. Arrangement for operation of a plurality of terminal devices (6) on acommon remote antenna (4) comprising a coupling network (2), whichincludes a first separator (8) associated with the antenna (4) and asecond separator (10) associated with the respective terminal device(6), thereby characterized, that the first separator (8) and the secondseparator (10) form one unit both functionally as well as spatially, andfunctionally are not connected with either the antenna (4) nor with oneof the terminal devices (6).
 2. Arrangement according to claim 1,thereby characterized, that at least one of the terminal devices (6) isa bidirectional operating terminal device for transmitting and receivinginformation.
 3. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, therebycharacterized, that the coupling network (2) is provided as analone-standing unit in the line between the antenna (4) and the terminaldevices (6).
 4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, therebycharacterized, that the coupling network (2) is provided as analone-standing unit in the antenna (4).
 5. Arrangement according to oneof claims 1 or 2, thereby characterized, that the coupling network (2)is provided as an alone-standing unit associated with a apparatusindependent of the arrangement.
 6. Arrangement according to one ofclaims 1 through 5, thereby characterized, that the coupling network (2)is integrated in one of the terminal devices (6), which includes atleast one supplemental in/output (A) for one or more further terminaldevices (6).
 7. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 through 6, inwhich at least one amplifier element (12, 14) is provided forcompensation of losses.
 8. Arrangement according to claim 7, therebycharacterized, that at least one amplifier element (12, 14) is providedbetween the first and second separator (8, 10).
 9. Arrangement accordingto claim 7 or 8, in which an amplifier element (12) is provided on thereceiver side of the antenna (4).
 10. Arrangement according to one ofclaims 7 through 9, thereby characterized, that an amplifier element(12) is provided on the receiver side the antenna (4).
 11. Arrangementaccording to one of claims 7 through 10, in which one common amplifierelement (14) is provided on the transmission side of all terminaldevices (6).
 12. Arrangement according to one of claims 7 through 10, inwhich one associated amplifier element (14) is provided respectively onthe transmit side of the terminal devices (6).
 13. Arrangement accordingto one of claims 1 through 12, in which as the separator element (8, 10)a circulator or a directional coupler is provided.
 14. Arrangementaccording to one or more of claims 1 through 12, in which as theseparator (8, 10) a filter, in particular a duplex filter, is provided.15. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 through 12, in which aswitch (22) is provided as the separator (8, 10).
 16. Arrangementaccording to one or more of claims 1 through 15, in which a divider (16)is provided on the receiver side for separation or distribution of thereceive signals (E) to the terminal devices (6) and/or a summing element(18) is provided on the transmit side for emission of the transmissionof the transmit signal (S).
 17. Arrangement for operation of a pluralityof terminal devices (6) on a common remote antenna (4), in whichmultiple transmit signals (S) and/or multiple receive signals (E) arebundled or, as the case may be, separated from the terminal devices or,as the case may be, the terminal device (6), by means of a commoncoupling network (2), wherein the coupling network (2) is provided inthe vicinity of or in the terminal devices (6) themselves. 18.Arrangement for operation of a plurality of terminal devices (6) on acommon remote transmission antenna (4″), thereby characterized, that thearrangement includes at least one separate common remote receive antenna(4′) which is supplemental to the common remote transmit antenna (4″),wherein the respective terminal devices (6) are coupled with each othervia a coupling network (2), comprised of the separators (10) associatedwith the respective terminal devices (6).
 19. Arrangement according toclaim 18, thereby characterized, that the antennas (4′, 4″) are arrangedspatially separated, so that the necessary insulation between thetransmit and receive path is the free air space insulation between theantennas (4′, 4″).
 20. Arrangement according to one of claims 18 or 19,thereby characterized, that the antennas (4′, 4″) are decoupled byswitches.
 21. Arrangement according to one of claims 18 through 20,thereby characterized, that at least one amplifier element (12, 14) isprovided for compensation of losses.
 22. Arrangement according to one ofclaims 18 through 21, thereby characterized, that one amplifier element(12, 14) is respectively provided between the antennas (4′, 4″) and theseparator (10).
 23. Arrangement according to one of claims 18 through22, thereby characterized, that the receiving antenna (4′) is associatedwith an amplifier element.
 24. Arrangement according to one of claims 18through 23, thereby characterized, that on the transmit side of allterminal devices (6) a common amplifier element (14) is provided. 25.Arrangement according to one of claims 18 through 24, therebycharacterized, that on the transmit side of the terminal devices (6)respectively one associated amplifier element (14) is provided. 26.Arrangement according to one or more of claims 18 through 25, therebycharacterized, that a circulator or a directional coupler is provided asthe separator (10).
 27. Arrangement according to one or more of claims18 through 25, thereby characterized, that a filter, in particular aduplex filter, is provided as the separator (10).
 28. Arrangementaccording to one or more of claims 18 through 25, thereby characterized,that a switch (22) is provided as the separator (10).
 29. Arrangementaccording to one or more of claims 18 through 28, thereby characterized,that a divider (16) is provided on the receiver side for dividing ordistributing the received signals (E) to the terminal devices (6) and/ora summing element (18) is provided on the transmit side for emission ofthe transmit signal (S).
 30. Arrangement according to one or more ofclaims 18 through 29, thereby characterized, that the coupling network(2) is itself provided near to or in the terminal devices (6). 31.Arrangement according to one ore more of claims 18 through 29, therebycharacterized, that the coupling network (2) is integrated in a terminaldevice (6), which includes at least one supplemental in/output (A) forone or more further terminal devices.
 32. Arrangement according to oneor more of claims 18 through 29, thereby characterized, that thecoupling network (2) is integrated near or in the receive antenna (4′)and/or the transmit antenna (4″).
 33. Arrangement according to one ormore of claims 18 through 29, thereby characterized, that the couplingnetwork (2) is provided as an alone-standing component in a differentdevice.
 34. Process for operation of a plurality of terminal devices (6)on a common remote transmit antenna (4″), thereby characterized, that inadditional to the common remote transmit antenna (4″) a separate commonremote receive antenna (4′) is operated, and that in the case ofmultiple transmit signals (S) and/or multiple receive signals (E) fromor for the terminal devices (6) these are bundled or, as the case maybe, separated via a common coupling network (2).